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In a recently unveiled autobiography, called Ithaki, the ex- prime minister Alexis Tsipras does not hold back as he examines that chaotic period of Greece's economic turmoil.

A Controversial Appointment

As per Tsipras's recollections, he chose the maverick academic Yanis Varoufakis as his finance minister mainly because of his global profile along with his very persuasive abilities as a speaker.

“He was, in reality, more of a personality rather than an economic expert,” stated the 51-year-old.

Clashing Agendas

Tsipras alleges how Varoufakis had his own motives that included promoting Varoufakis's publications and testing out his own economic models using the nation rather than genuinely advocating the country's economic stability.

Tsipras noted how those discussions to stave off bankruptcy were “not just a method to secure a better deal for Greece. They became a test, an historic opportunity to demonstrate the validity of his economic theories.”

Critical Talks

During tense negotiations, Greece found itself perilously on the brink of exiting the single currency area.

At stake was both the country's future but also the harsh austerity measures demanded in return for financial aid by foreign lenders.

Unsuccessful Alternatives

Attempts to find financing from other sources, including an urgent appeal to Russia to purchase Greek government bonds, fell on stony ground.

Assisting the indebted country would be tantamount to tossing cash into the garbage, the Russian leader is reputed to have informed Tsipras during their meeting.

Public Vote Followed by Reversal

In July 2015, the punitive conditions were put to a public vote, a move which threw Europe into deeper crisis of identity.

Even though the referendum was won decisively by voters who opposed austerity, the prime minister had little option but to reject its outcome and agree to a bailout package with creditors that proved to be more severe.

Final Straw

Tsipras revealed that he began to doubt Varoufakis relatively soon.

“He was the face of negotiation, the man who drew media attention, who appeared on the front pages of magazines the world over … he gave the impression he was enjoying the spotlight.”

When Varoufakis outlined a contingency plan that included establishing a secondary currency as well as distributing vouchers to pensioners, Tsipras said he realised it was game over questioning him: “Are you serious?”

Lasting Rebuke

In the memoir, the author concludes how his former ally demonstrated himself to be “unfit for a deal that required intricate and delicate management.”

Tsipras further wrote how his confrontational style made him more and more alone among peers, endangered the country, while assisted hawks who were pushing for a Greek exit from the euro.

The retelling of history has been met with anger along with shock among certain groups, while the former minister has so far maintained a conspicuous quiet regarding these claims.